UK accused of 'hostility' towards Isle of Man

A SENIOR government figure in the Isle of Man has criticised the UK for having "hostility" towards the island.

Phil Gawne told an audience at a ceremony to mark the island's political independence that the UK had proved to be more a foe than a friend.

The department of infrastructure minister said: "Our closest neighbours have shown that when the chips are down we cannot rely on their support. It could be reasonably argued that the UK has demonstrated clear ambivalence if not outright hostility to our nation, being much more foe than friend in recent times."

Mr Gawne also claimed the UK's actions may force the Isle of Man to look for other trading partners, possibly among the Nordic countries.

Around 100 people gathered at the ceremony to mark the contribution made by Illiam Dhone, Manx for Brown William, to the political independence of the island. The commemoration, held at the spot where Dhone was sentenced to death by a firing squad, included speeches made in Manx and English.

Mr Gawne, in his speech, said the Isle of Man needs politicians with the vision and drive to develop a future for the nation, which may involve constitutional independence for the island.

Speaking about looking for possible Nordic partners, he said: "Such vision must of course be tempered by economic and political realism, but if we are continually pushed further and further away by the UK we may see the day when our economical, social and culture interests are better suited by new constitutional relationships and international alliances."

Mr Gawne added: "Cutting our ties immediately with our largest trading partner would of course be politically naive and economic madness but the time has certainly come for the Isle of Man to develop new international relationships and refresh and strengthen old political acquaintances."